13" MBP+iPad OR 15" MBP?

Hi,

I am currently in a spin on which my best option is: A 13 inch MBP (High end) and an iPad or a 15 inch MBP (Low end).

The reason it is a toss up is because I do not do much demanding things that require quad core processing. The main things I do is play Runescape (which either can easily handle) and Skyrim (which both can handle...but the 15" much better). When not gaming or doing random browsing I develop software for OS X, Windows, and iOS. Obviously, having an iPad would be advantageous for the iOS bit...

I do not require a larger screen. I have a nice monitor to hook up to. I believe I can do anything necessary for developing software on a 13" MBP but am not sure since I am willing to admit I am currently only doing amateur stuff. BUT the laptop has to last 3-4 years.

Any experts have an opinion on what is best?

Thanks.

 

Well I think you answered your own question. Looks like 13in + iPad is your best bet.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

I agree with Sphinx. The MBP13 (Core-i7 version) is impressive. I own a Core-i7 Dell desktop that I bought back in 2009 and it is still running incredibly strong after 3 years, so the processor will certainly make the laptop last 3+ years easy.

Side note: I run Windows 7 as a virtual machine with VMWare Fusion to do development with Visual Studio. The MBP13 (2012 Core-i7) handles it incredibly well, as if it was running natively. An SSD drive certainly helps as well.

 

If I were in your shoes & got the low end 15" MBP, after a while, I would be wishing I got the high end 13" & iPad instead.

 

I think you will find that the 13" MBP is more than adequate for software development. The processor is higher end than developers "suffered" with only a few years ago.

 

If you wanted to develop for iOS, I would recommend getting at least some type of recent iOS device (ipod touch might be acceptable).

If you wanted to play skyrim, I would strongly urge you to steer clear of the 13" mbp.

It may depend on which experience is more important to you.

Both options can technically run Skyrim and both options can technically be used to develop iOS software. However, you will have a MUCH better experience with high end games like Skyrim with a dedicated GPU, found only in the MBP 15", and you will have a MUCH better experience being able to test iOS software on an actual iOS device, rather than the simulator, which is only possible with the first option (assuming you are restricting yourself to only these options).

One major problem is that it's mid 2012, and the macbook pro 13" is still a dual core 1280x800 laptop with an integrated GPU that costs over $1000. It's a tough pill to swallow imo. The high end $1500 version is even harder to accept - it still has the same fundamental value issues, except now it's $1500. I would strongly recommend getting the base MBP 15. The quad core cpu, solid graphics card, and larger screen make it much more functional device. Even though it costs more, it's doesn't really matter when you consider that you're comparing a $1500 purchase that can just barely skate by with what you're trying to do, versus $300-400 extra for a machine that can do it fluently. I would suggest getting the high res (and matte) screen upgrades.

If you go with that (with the high res anti-glare screen), it's $390 more, but you're avoiding buying a $500 iPad. Take the $120 or so saved (after tax), and that's $80 shy of breaking even with a new iPod Touch, which would be perfect for iOS development. If you shop around, I'm sure you could find one open box or used for $120-150.

 

I'll be devils advocate here and argue for the 15. I am going to guess that you already have some sort of IOS device and with talks of a cheaper ipad around the corner at a price point that is competitive (My guess is 250) then you would probably be best off getting a quad core pro. The 13 is plenty of power for most, but if you plan to really get down and dirty, the 4xcpu and dedicated graphics card can make all the difference.

 

Good points. If you already have an iOS device then Id get a 15. Otherwise I revert back to my previous post.